Farmer Charged with Harassment and Arson in Co Clare Case

A farmer in County Clare, Jim Greene, faces multiple charges, including harassment and arson, related to alleged actions against a couple moving into their new home. During a court appearance at the Ennis District Court on May 6, 2023, Greene claimed to Garda officers that the issue was “a spiritual law matter.”

The charges against Greene, aged 55, stem from incidents involving Robert Foley and Ciara O’Flynn between February 17 and May 6 of this year. He is accused of harassing the couple and obstructing their access to their property in the village of Inagh. The court served the Book of Evidence, detailing the allegations Greene faces, including a separate charge of arson for damaging property valued at €16,743.

Greene is also charged with theft, stemming from incidents that occurred between April 2 and April 15, 2023. He allegedly entered a building in Ballyea North, where he attempted to commit theft, violating the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

During the court proceedings, Sgt John Burke informed Judge Fiona Brennan that the case would be forwarded to the Ennis Circuit Court for further examination. Garda Bríon Dolan testified that when Greene was arrested and cautioned, he insisted that the matter fell under spiritual law.

The new charges replace earlier accusations against Greene, who has been in custody at Limerick prison since May 7, 2023, following a refusal of bail. His solicitor, Tara Godfrey, informed the court that a psychiatric report indicated Greene lacks the mental capacity to instruct a solicitor regarding the charges. A hearing to assess his capacity is scheduled for November 4, 2023.

Godfrey expressed concerns over the introduction of new charges while the Book of Evidence was being processed but acknowledged the State’s position that proceedings should continue.

In previous court hearings, Garda Dolan highlighted that Greene had parked his vehicle on a narrow lane leading to Foley and O’Flynn’s home, obstructing their access. This blockage has allegedly hindered the couple’s ability to move into the property they purchased late last year.

Further allegations suggest that Greene communicated with the couple’s solicitors, claiming to be “God’s Enforcer” and asserting a right to investigate “witchcraft and Voodoo” at their property. Godfrey noted that Greene has no prior criminal record and described him as a small farmer responsible for caring for his animals.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case draws attention not only for the serious nature of the charges but also for the unusual claims made by the accused. The upcoming hearings will likely provide more clarity on Greene’s mental capacity and the legal implications of the allegations against him.